Masaryk University - If your okay with taking it easy it's the place to be. Past Review
By Steven C (Chemical Engineering., Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for
Masaryk University: Brno - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, it was worthwhile. I am an engineer. I work in strict settings, it was a whole new world for me. I spent an entire year abroad, studying philosophy and sociology. Life was easy, and it was good. I catch myself smiling sometimes for no apparent reason, just letting my mind flash to memories of my time abroad. The cold wind in Ireland, the hot summer in Brno, a crazy homeless Czech hurling bottles at buses while the police chase after him. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and traveling is one of the ways we focus ourselves to that end.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University College Cork, Cork, Ireland |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was super easy, classes made for study abroad students were great with a fun and open atmosphere. Don't take any classes outside of those for foreign students. The professors don't really speak English (even if they are supposed to) and the coursework is way too heavy for you to still have fun. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Terrible, you have to do everything yourself. Don't follow their advice, ask the students around you, or your advisers back home. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Vinarska is the best. Simply the best. You will meet diverse interesting people who's impressions upon you will last the rest of your life. Parties are a regular thing, but even if you don't drink (and a number of the kids don't) you still can have an amazing time hanging out with such a fun and open people. |
| * Food: |
Better than Britain, worse than pretty much everywhere else (except maybe Poland...). You will most likely just eat kebabs and gyros. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Simply awesome. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was no health program, and some nights it was pretty sketchy. Some kids got wallets stolen, and some fights took place. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
They didn't really have one, said they did, but didn't. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it, a million stories later you'll never run out of things to talk about. |
